Jan 5, 2025 – Drifting Off
Over the weekend (and over the years), one of the biggest topics (besides the benefits of walking) that has repeatedly caught my attention in magazines is the issue of sleep. Today’s photo from the 8/1/22 issue of Woman’s World offers the first of a handful of suggestions for falling asleep more quickly. A short article in the 5/30/22 issue explains that insomnia can triple when we are in an unfamiliar bedroom because the “brain tries to stay alert”; so, the author suggests imagining unraveling a ball of yarn [because] picturing a soothing task spurs the release of relaxing serotonin.” Also in the article, according to University of Minnesota scientists, “reading for six minutes before bed helps you fall asleep 40 minutes faster…by cutting sleep-sabotaging tension by 68%.” I guess that could depend on what you read!
The 10/3/22 issue tells us, “Nibbling on a tasty, high-carb snack (like an oatmeal cookie or banana bread) helps you drift off 48% faster and wards off middle-of-the-night awakenings [per Australian scientists]…. the brief blood-sugar spike…encourages the brain to release the calming, sleep-deepening hormone serotonin.” They also offer the idea of sniffing a tangerine because “its limonene spurs the release of calming theta brain waves….” Another “simple way to fall asleep fast” related to theta brain waves involves a “soothing type of mental imagery.” The brief article suggests, “try picturing yourself strolling through a tree-lined forest. Researchers found that just visualizing a green scene helped subjects drift off 50% faster and sleep more soundly.”
In a short blurb on the “Smart YOU Solutions” page in the 11/14/22 issue, they suggest, “wiggling all 10 toes for 60 seconds.” I’ve done this at times and it seems to make a difference. If nothing else, concentrating on the toes takes the focus off of not being able to fall asleep. “Reflexology experts explain this move helps unblock energy channels in the feet and sparks a relaxation response that spreads throughout the whole body, helping you to quickly fall into a deep, restful sleep.”
Many sources say that sleeping in a dark room is best for peaceful rest; and, even before bed, it’s helpful to dim the lights around the house to begin natural melatonin production in the body which encourages the sleep response. I’ve also read in several place that, once you’re laying down, slowing your breathing (in for at least 4 seconds and out for 4 seconds) helps the heartbeat slow down and therefore relax the body and ready it for sleep. In addition to these sometimes helpful remedies, my personal suggestion is to pray. I don’t think that we fall asleep while praying because we are bored; I think it’s because the calming effect of talking with God allows our tired minds and bodies to peacefully let go of the planning and concerns and likely even any pain that is distracting us.
Streams – Cowman draws from F. B Meyer’s writings, “Remind God of His exclusive responsibility: ‘There is no one like you to help.’” (See 2 Chronicles 14:11.) “Our God is ‘the Lord of hosts’ (Isa. 10:16 KJV), who can summon unexpected reinforcements at any moment to help His people. Believe that He is between you and your difficulty [even if that difficulty is with falling asleep], and what troubles you will flee before Him, as clouds in the wind.”
JC – “You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me…. those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me.
Power – Joyce writes, “According to Scripture [see James 3:2], the one thing proving our level of spiritual maturity isn’t how religious we are – whether we can quote Scripture, or the good works we do – it is the words from our mouths.”
JA – “LET MY CONSOLATION – My comfort – bring Joy to your soul. When anxiety [or sleeplessness] is welling up within you, come to Me and pour out your heart. Then sit quietly in My Presence while I comfort you…. When you are joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you…. the Joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems in your life. Once you have gained this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their troubles.” (See Ps 94:19, Ps 62:8, and 2 Cor 1:3-4.)
Prevail #5 – Larson writes, “In and through His wisdom, God reveals what we need to know. Scripture also tells us that He confides in (tell secrets to) those who fear Him. Could there be a connection between our obedient faith steps and God’s revelation in our lives? Absolutely. As we walk intimately with Him, He reveals His heart and His ways to us.”
